Hepworth & Co Brewers has recalled its 500ml bottles of gluten-free Classic Old Ale because it contains excessive levels of gluten.

This means the product poses a possible health risk for anyone who is gluten intolerant (coeliac disease).

Hepworth & Co Brewers recalled the brew and has been advised by the Food Standards Agency to contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall.

Done all we can

The West Sussex-based company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers, which explains why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products.

Hepworth & Co director Margot Christie Price told The Morning Advertiser​ the brewery had done everything it could do inform all consumers.

She said: “We have contacted every outlet, the Allergy Society and the Coeliac Society so they can inform their members.

“We held our hands up, we have done all we can and are thoroughly determined it will never happen again."

Winter brew

She added: “Old will be back and it will be perfect again.”

Old Ale is a Sussex traditional winter brew, which is dark and full of roast malt character, balanced with sweetness and the bitterness of Admiral hops.

Hepworth & Co Brewers was established in 2000 and started production in 2001 after managing director and head brewer Andy Hepworth decided to maintain the tradition of brewing in his home town of Horsham, West Sussex.